> << The hemoglobin is the issue... you > don't need a CBC [complete blood count] unless you have a good reason from > history or physical exam... >> Gail You can't tell much from just a Hgb or Hct - strictly a screening test. > A CBC will give you much more helpful information - RBC's, MCV, MCH, MCHC, > RDW, platelet count............. Andrew I don't do CBCs on patients just because they are breastfeeding... and still feel that a fingerstick hgb is an adequate test to "screen" for anemia. If there is a reason from the physical exam, then a CBC is a good tool to "evaluate" anemia as you have mentioned. All I hear, though, is that these two are breastfeeding. Not that any indication to evaluate is present. Gail Gail S. Hertz, MD, IBCLC Resident, Dept. of Pediatrics PSGHS Children's Hospital Hershey PA [log in to unmask]